ORANGE BEACH, Ala. — Orange Beach is gearing up for a birthday party; the city’s 25th to be exact.

In conjunction with Baldwin County’s bicentennial celebration, Orange Beach will be going all out with a birthday block party set for Aug. 29 from 11 a.m. until 4 p.m. just behind City Hall at the Orange Beach Municipal Complex.

The city has secured a $2,000 grant from the Convention and Visitors Bureau for event enhancement as well as funding from the Baldwin County Commission related to the bicentennial celebration.

“One of the issues here is that we realize the difficulty we are facing with our budget,” said City Administrator Ken Grimes at a recent City Council meeting. “We are very lean, our departments are very lean, we have had to cut jobs and many of those who lost jobs were people that we were friends and co-workers with. So we are limiting our funding but at the same time we want to be sure that we put on a quality event for our community.”

Included in some of the festivities will be a large kids village, live entertainment, a historical village, the museum will be opened, and county representatives will be on hand with historical demonstrations as well.

Also scheduled is a recognition ceremony at 1 p.m. in which the city will recognize past mayors, council, long-time residents, and businesses that have been established since 1984 or beyond.

“Right now we are looking for community input,” said Angela Bateman, an event coordinator. “If anyone knows of a resident that would like to speak, let us know.”

Bateman said that during the 25 days leading up to the Aug. 29 birthday block party, the city will be having 25 days of celebration.

“We want businesses, churches and civic groups to help us with the 25 days of celebration,” Bateman told those in attendance at the July 1 City Council meeting. “We are looking for community events leading up to our block party on the 29th that we will post on our calendar so the community will be informed.”

Bateman said other cities will be on hand at the celebration as well including Perdido Beach, Spanish Fort and Foley.

Mayor Tony Kennon said that not only is this a birthday party for the city, it is a marketing event as well, and a great opportunity to showcase Orange Beach.

“Some of the things that we will spend money on for the event will be long lasting, such as swings and benches in memory of the event,” Grimes said.

In conjunction with the birthday celebration, there will also be a flag contest, where individuals can submit their designs and a new city flag will be selected from the entrants.

There will also be a photo contest called “What Orange Beach Means to You.”